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Opioid intoxication

Intoxication - opioids

Opioid intoxication is a condition caused by use of opioid-based drugs, which include morphine, heroin, oxycodone, and the synthetic opioid narcotics. Prescription opioids are used to treat pain. Intoxication or overdose can lead to a loss of alertness, or unconsciousness.

Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness is when a person is unable to respond to people and activities. Often, this is called a coma or being in a comatose state. Other cha...

Causes

In the United States, the most commonly abused opioids are heroin and methadone.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on how much of the drug is taken.

Symptoms of opioid intoxication can include:

Breathing problems - breathing may stop

Extreme sleepiness or loss of alertness

Small pupils

With repeated use of opioids, fibrotic lung disease may develop as a result of the talc, cornstarch or cellulose which is used to dilute or bind the opioid.The long-term effect may be reduced lung function and shortness of breath

Individuals who inject the drug will often develop abscesses at the injection site. These may be large enough to require incision and drainage, often in the operating room.

Exams and Tests

Testing will depend on the physician’s concern for additional medical problems.

A chest x-ray may be ordered to look for pneumonia, as well as an EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing) looking for evidence of heart rhythm disturbances or heart attack.

Treatment

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Breathing support, including supplemental oxygen

Tube placed through the mouth into the lungs (endotracheal intubation)

Medicine called naloxone, which helps block the effect of the drug on the central nervous system (such medicine is called a narcotic antagonist)

Since the effect of the narcotic antagonist is short-lived in most cases, the health care team will monitor the patient for 4 to 6 hours in the emergency department, although the optimal observation time after opioid intoxication has not been defined for most opioids. Those with moderate-to-severe intoxications will likely be admitted to the hospital for 24 to 48 hours.

A psychiatric evaluation is needed for all exposures with suicidal intent.